“How do I look?” asks Anne turning her head behind her back to see herself in the full length mirror.
“Beautiful! Very lovely Anne!” says Mrs. Dashing clasping her hands in excitement “It is the best one that you have tried on yet!”
“Anne, you glow. It fits your personality” observing replies Ellen “I think it would look so pretty with your hair up as well.”
“What kind-veil are you going to wear? Or are you going to just use white little flowers like Eve?” asks Maggie remembering a garden picture from her Sunday school book.
“I haven’t decided yet but I know that I want to wear these pearls from grandma” answers Anne as she touches the strand of pearls around her neck.
“I can always tell when girls are ready to pick out their dresses because they where pearls to find the dress of their dreams” answers the Assistant at the bridal store.
“I think she should wear these” states Jennings holding up a pair of four inch snow white satin stilettos with a slight platform as well under the toe.
“Actually, I was thinking about wearing some ballet slippers because I am going to be standing for awhile and I definitely don’t want to trip and fall” practically answers Anne.
“I can’t remember, what are you’re the colors you have chosen again?” asks Jennings “I could help you with the decorations. I’ve performed enough weddings in my lifetime in my different corps appointments.”
“My colors are indigo and periwinkle with Icterine as an accent” decidedly replies Anne.
“I’m not sure what those colors are” honestly replies Jennings.
“It’s a dark purple with light lavender and a soft yellow” explains Ellen.
“When do Lizzie, Janie and Annie arrive?” asks Maggie.
“They are coming in two days before the wedding to help with the bridal party events and attend the bachelorette party” answers Mrs. Dashing “I have to make sure that Ted can pick them up from the airport.
“Are Liz and Lila coming?” innocently inquires Maggie.
“Yes. Ted’ brother, Robert, is standing up with him and now that they are married Liz will be here too. Lila is giving out the programs and I think Liz is responsible for the guest book.” replies Ellen trying to remember all of the details as her maid-of-honor.
“Emma, Harriet, and Jane are taking care of the reception” replies Mrs. Dashing and “and Fanny Price is coming as well to help with the gift table.”
“I can hardly wait to see all of my friends!” jumps Anne in her multi-pinned dress as they try to alter the material to fit her perfectly “Ouch that hurt! It will be so good to see everyone again!”
“Ellen that dress looks very pretty on you” sighs Mrs. Dashing “The lavender really brings out your eyes.”
“I really like it too. I like how it flows and moves” Ellen agreeing while turning around in the lined ceiling to floor mirrors.
“The wedding is only a month a way! This is all too exciting for me!” replies Jennings “I need to find my special outfit just for your wedding. I want to wear something particularly unique to show my happiness for Brandon and you.”
Mrs. Dashing raises her eyebrows and faking a non-concerned smile, “That is very nice of you to be so thoughtful.”
Maggie giggles, “I love whatever you wear!” giving Jennings a warm hug “Are we going to the movies this afternoon?”
“That’s what I had in mind” looking at her watch “Come on Maggie! We’re going to be late. Shake your tail feather and let’s fly away” states Jennings heading out the door doing a goofy dance and flapping her arms like a bird with Maggie articulately mimicking behind with sound effects.
“When will your dress be ready?” asks Mrs. Dashing as Anne walks out of the dressing room in a solid azure fitted shirt blouse and dark washed jeans.
“I can pick it up on Wednesday before junior band rehearsal” dreamily replies Anne thinking about the day to come.
“I’ll see you later. I’m going to Crestwood because Ted and I are meeting for dinner after he gets back from divisional youth band rehearsal at camp today. The teens are quite excited because they are playing “Mighty God!” by Dean Jones and “Cantad a Jehovah” by Dorothy Gates this month.”
Later that day Ellen is waiting in the chapel for Ted to get back. She is playing the piano with some music from the “Musical Salvationist” journals that she found in the metal file cabinets in the band and songster room. She is playing one of her longtime favorites “I Bring Them All to Jesus” by Ivor Bosanko.
“That’s very nice Ellen” answers Ted as she finishes her song.
Not realizing that Ted was waiting in the last pew of the chapel “How long have you been there?” asks Ellen.
“I’ve been her for awhile but I’ve been enjoying listening to you play” honestly responds Ted.
“I’m ready to go. I have to put these books away and I’ll be back” explains Ellen.
Ted follows her into the band room off the side of the chapel. “I heard from Robert today” leaning against the filing cabinet “Mom and Fannie have finally come to their senses but I think with bigger motive than just kindness. Liz is pregnant and I think the privilege of becoming a grandma for the first time far outweighs the desire to hold a grudge. Robert and Liz fit quite well together even Fannie realizes it too. Robert and Liz are back attending Norland Park which is a good thing.”
“What is Lila doing?” asks Ellen smiling remembering some of her antics.
“You mean other than still following the clueless David around?” mockingly asks Ted with a chuckle “She’s working at the after-school program at Norland Park. Fannie found out that Lila is one of the best teachers that she has had. The kids love her because she plays and seems interested in them and the parents like her because she has such great creative ideas.”
“David and she would make a nice couple. But I think someone is going to have to light a fire under him so that he will finally notice her” replies Ellen.
“They’re both coming to the wedding at the end of the month” projects Ted “perhaps something will happen then.”
“I’m ready. Where are we going?” asks Ellen.
“I thought it might be fun to do something different today. How does a picnic at the lake sound to you?” asks Ted.
“It sounds quite nice. Next week it might be too hot with the humidity now that the summer season has started” responds Ellen “Do we need to go by the grocery store?”
“No. I was hoping that you would feel the same way I do and agree with me. If not, I would have a few groceries for the week” Ted explains while biting his lip and smiling at the same time to hide a little embarrassment while hugging Ellen around the waste and pulling her into him.
“The only problem is that we have to take the bus. My car is in the shop getting the brakes fixed” walking out to the large white people-mover with the “Doing the Most Good” logo on the side. Ted gets into the driver’s seat and Ellen climbs into the passenger bench behind him. They loudly try to talk over the noise of the engine on the way to the lake but most of the conversation is followed with a “What?”, “Can you say that again.” or a “Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
When they arrive at the park, Ted carries the blue and white cooler to a location under a large shady tree. He spreads out a red disaster services blanket that he found in the closet at the corps at the last minute because he forgot to bring one from home.
He pulls out the turkey and roast beef sandwiches from the deli, some chips and soda. They enjoy talking and watching the boats pass by. They see a few seniors fishing along the edges and baiting their hooks in hopes of catching some fish that know the routine of not being caught. They see children playing on the plastic playground with large tire chips that keep them from graciously hurting themselves as they jump off the moving swings.
Ted is kind and thoughtful but as Ellen notices seems preoccupied with his thoughts. In a serious tone he turns to Ellen while holding her hand, “Ellen, I’ve wanted to talk to you all day.”
Ellen seems a little concerned because everything has been pleasant between the two of them the entire time at the national park. She is hoping that nothing is wrong.
“Ellen, I want you to be honest with me. Do you think you could be around me for a lifetime?” nervously asks Ted looking directly into her eyes.
Ellen not sure why he seems so concerned about her answer, “Yes, I think we get along quite well and I think we would have a lot of fun together” leaning up against Ted to nudge him on the shoulder with her own.
“I love you, Ellen” moving closer to her “I had a speech planned but I can’t remember any of it at the moment. I’ve been trying to put what I was going to say all afternoon but as soon as I think of something to say, I forget it. But I want you to know that I mean this will all of my heart, would you be willing to be my wife?” sincerely asks Ted.
“Yes, of course” giggling responds Ellen while Ted pulls a ring out of his pocket. “I asked Anne what kind of ring you like and your size because I figured she would know”.
“So how long has Anne known?” mockingly upset asks Ellen.
“For a few weeks now, but I told her that she couldn’t tell you” honestly replies Ted.
“That must have been the hardest secret that she has ever had to keep” truthfully joking states Ellen “I didn’t have a clue.”
Ted places the ring on Ellen’s finger and kisses her gently. They enjoy the rest of the day together and contentedly watch the sunset at the lake.
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